Rick Hayduk has been appointed General Manager at The Lantern Columbia - SC, USA
Raines today announced the appointment of hospitality veteran Rick Hayduk as general manager of The Lantern Columbia in Columbia, SC. Pioneering a new standard of inclusive hospitality, the 59-key boutique hotel marks the adaptive reuse of Columbia's historic Central Fire Station. As opening general manager, Hayduk is responsible for building the hotel's team from the ground up, establishing its service culture, and launching the property, which is anticipated to open in December 2025 in Columbia's Vista neighborhood. Hayduk brings a unique and powerful combination of experience ideally suited to The Lantern's trailblazing model, including more than 35 years of leadership at upscale, independent properties and a proven, personal dedication to mission-driven hospitality.
Hayduk's passion for inclusive hospitality was inspired by the birth of his daughter, Jamison, who has Down syndrome. His familiarity with this deeply personal journey transformed his professional focus, influencing him to create expanded career pathways for individuals with disabilities in hospitality.
His most notable achievement in this area was serving as opening general manager of the Shepherd Hotel Clemson. There, he worked with the ClemsonLIFE program to create an innovative employment model where just about 30% of the staff were comprised of individuals with disabilities. Under his leadership, the hotel achieved a top 1% guest satisfaction ranking among 100,000 Expedia hotels, proving that purposeful employment and exceptional hospitality not only can coexist but can elevate one another.
Hayduk's extensive 35-year career also includes executive leadership roles with prestigious brands such as Blackstone, Waldorf Astoria, The Breakers Palm Beach, and LXR Resorts & Hotels, giving him deep expertise in managing complex stakeholder relationships and building successful, community-integrated partnerships.
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